- April 3, 2025
Cancer is no longer a rare disease. In fact, nearly 40% of people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. That means almost every person alive today will either experience cancer themselves or be directly impacted by a loved one who does. The numbers are staggering: in the United States alone, more than 1.9 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year, and it claims over 600,000 lives annually.
Globally, cancer is responsible for nearly 10 million deaths each year, with the most common cancers being lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancers. And while genetics play a role, studies show that 70-90% of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors.
What’s driving this alarming rise in cancer? Increasingly, experts are pointing to the impact of our modern environment—pollution, toxic chemicals, and agricultural practices—as significant contributors. The way we grow food, manage waste, and manufacture everyday products has created an environment where carcinogens are nearly impossible to avoid. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, our world is now saturated with substances that disrupt our cells, damage DNA, and set the stage for cancer.
We live in a world where pollutants are everywhere. Air pollution, driven by vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and deforestation, has been linked to cancers of the lung, bladder, and skin. A 2021 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that air pollution contributes to approximately 30% of lung cancer deaths globally. The tiny particles in polluted air are capable of entering our lungs, bloodstream, and even brain, leading to widespread DNA damage and inflammation—two key drivers of cancer.
Beyond pollution, the way we produce food today is a significant contributor to rising cancer rates. Modern farming methods rely heavily on pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that contain toxic chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the world’s most widely used herbicide, has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a probable carcinogen, linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers.
Our industrialized food system not only contaminates the soil but also depletes essential nutrients from crops, weakening our food’s ability to fight inflammation and support cellular health. Combined with the widespread consumption of processed foods, which are packed with preservatives and artificial chemicals, our modern diet is a breeding ground for cancer.
It’s becoming clear that cancer is not just a personal health issue—it’s a reflection of the environment we live in. The combination of polluted air, toxic water, and contaminated food has created a perfect storm for cancer rates to skyrocket. But the good news is that many cancers are preventable. By reducing exposure to carcinogens, adopting a whole-foods diet, and supporting the body’s natural detoxification systems, we can significantly reduce our cancer risk.
The Role of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Cancer starts when cells in your body begin to grow uncontrollably, often due to damage to their DNA. One of the biggest contributors to this damage is chronic inflammation. Inflammation, while essential for healing short-term injuries, can become harmful when it persists over time. Long-term inflammation produces free radicals, which damage your cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer.
A landmark 2018 study published in Nature found that inflammation and oxidative stress (the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) play a critical role in the initiation and progression of cancer.
Environmental Toxins and Carcinogens
We are also exposed to carcinogens—substances that can cause cancer—every day. These include pesticides, air pollution, and chemicals in processed foods, as well as toxins in household products. Over time, these toxic substances build up in our bodies, overwhelming our natural detoxification systems and damaging DNA.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified over 120 substances as human carcinogens, many of which are commonly found in our environment. Reducing exposure to these toxins is a critical step in cancer prevention.
Cancer’s Connection to Obesity and Diet
One of the major contributors to cancer risk that many overlook is obesity. Research has shown that obesity increases the risk of 13 types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancers . Obesity leads to chronic inflammation and increased insulin levels, which are both linked to higher cancer risk.
A 2017 study published in The Lancet found that 38% of global cancer deaths could be attributed to lifestyle factors like poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.
Cancer and the Immune System
Your immune system plays a vital role in detecting and destroying cancerous cells. When it’s functioning properly, it can eliminate abnormal cells before they have a chance to grow into tumors. However, chronic inflammation and stress weaken the immune system, making it less effective at targeting cancer cells.
Recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy—a treatment that harnesses the immune system to fight cancer—have shown promising results in treating cancers like melanoma and lung cancer. This emphasizes the importance of keeping your immune system strong to both prevent and fight cancer.
A 2018 study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that individuals who followed an anti-inflammatory diet had a 32% lower risk of colorectal cancer .
According to a 2020 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, people who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity were 24% less likely to develop several types of cancer. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for 30 minutes a day can significantly improve your overall health.
A 2019 study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that stress management techniques significantly improved immune function in cancer patients, suggesting that managing stress could play a role in cancer prevention.
While cancer remains a formidable opponent, you have more control over your risk than you might think. By focusing on reducing inflammation, cleaning up your diet and environment, and supporting your immune system, you can take significant steps to protect yourself. The power to prevent cancer is largely in your hands, and the earlier you start, the better your chances of living a long, healthy life free of this disease.
nataly@bioupgraded.com
@bioupgraded
Dallas, TX, USA
